15 years ago, in 2011, Christopher Ward introduced their first in-house complication in the form of the JJ01 jump hour module. It set them down a path that would eventually lead to the creation of the Atelier series and their notable Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Petite Aiguille prize win with the Bel Canto in 2023. To celebrate the anniversary of the JJ01, they’ve introduced the new Christopher Ward C1 Jump Hour XV Limited Edition.
Conceptually, it’s a modernised take on the original C9 Jump Hour using the superior watchmaking techniques and finishing that CW has developed across the past 15 years. Starting with the dial, the new watch uses the same concentric, scaling pattern that spirals out from the centre of the display as the original. However, it’s now produced using a femtosecond laser to shape the custom stamping tool, creating a deeper and sharper pattern compared to the C9.
The finishing across the rest of the dial has been updated too. The trapezoidal chapter ring that separates the peripheral minute scale and central patterned area has been reshaped to add more three-dimensionality to the display. The minute hand has also been redesigned with a new facetted shape and brushed finish in vibrant blue in contrast to the original black feuille hand. Overall, the updates make the new display much cleaner and a touch brighter while retaining the C9’s core identity with features like the Roman numeral jump hour window.
For the case, the C1 Jump Hour XV measures 39mm x 13.1mm, a substantial reduction from the C9 that was 43mm x 13.5mm. That dramatic of a difference shows the improved tolerances CW are able to work at as well as changing tastes among collectors. 15 years ago the zeitgeist was all about large watches but today, smaller watches reign supreme.
Inside the watch is the Sellita SW200-1 with JJ01 jump hour module. It offers a 38-hour power reserve with automatic winding. It’s protected by a solid caseback that bears the same engraving from the C1 Jump Hour Mark V that features 12 markings to represent the hours and 60 smaller markers for the minutes.
It’s limited to 300 pieces at a price of £1,795 on Italian leather strap or £1,940 on five-link consort bracelet. With 15 years of inflation to account for, that is a higher price than the C9 in 2011, but the fact they’ve kept it below £2,000 is testament to the fact they’ve tried to maintain its value in relation to the rest of the market.
Price and Specs:
More details at Christopher Ward.
